Balearic Islands Yacht Charter : The Ultimate Guide
The Balearic Islands have always been popular as a yacht charter destination, well known for a sunny climate, spectacular beaches, nature parks, nightlife and archaeological ruins.
The Balearic Islands have always been popular as a yacht charter destination, well known for a sunny climate, spectacular beaches, nature parks, nightlife and archaeological ruins.
Located east from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands are accessible via flights to Palma de Mallorca Airport on Mallorca, Menorca Airport just southwest of Mahón on Menorca or Ibiza Airport on Ibiza. Due to the proximity of the Balearics to mainland Spain, many yacht charter guests also opt to begin their yacht charter in Barcelona, Valencia or Denia.
The Balearic Islands themselves include Mallorca (Majorca), Menorca (Minorca), Cabrera, Ibiza, Formentera and S’Espalmador, with the three most popular islands being Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca.
Booking a luxury yacht charter is a fantastic way to explore the Balearics and discover the culture and scenery as many areas are accessible only by boat.
High season in the Balearics stretches from May to September, with the busiest months being July and August when it is hot and dry. Summer temperatures average 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, though the islands are blessed with cooling sea breezes.
Spring is a lovely time to visit the Balearics when the fiestas are starting and the weather is warm. Autumn still hovers around 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and you’ll find off-peak seasons still have mild and pleasant weather, making the Balearics an appealing yacht charter destination in any season.
The Balearic Islands have been ruled by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and Spaniards, all of whom have left their mark with impressive architecture, diverse cuisine and lasting traditions contributing to the unhurried culture.
There are bustling coastal resorts as well as sleepy bohemian villages; you can find pumping nightclubs as well as quiet tapas bars.
The clear turquoise waters are ideal for trying out your charter yacht’s water toys – spend a morning paddle boarding, go diving, or snorkel at a treasure chest of beautiful beaches and coves.
The diversity on offer is excellent for all yacht charter guests – whether you prefer to lounge onboard your private yacht during the day and party at night, go shopping, head inland for outdoor activities such as hiking or indulge in a yoga retreat or spa day ashore.
The Balearic Islands have something for all budgets; you can charter a day boat with a group exploring deserted coves and beaches, or book a longer Balearics yacht charter where Bespoke Yacht Charter can suggest off-the-beaten path beaches, restaurants and bars and spectacular places to anchor.
Undoubtedly, it’s an incredible experience renting a motor yacht or sailboat to cruise around the Balearics. As well as island hopping, yacht charter guests in Spain can extend their itinerary to include rejuvenated Valencia, vibrant Barcelona or cruise further west to the marinas on the popular Costa del Sol coast.
To check availability and book a charter, please get in touch with Bespoke Yacht Charter today.
58-60 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4DB.
Company No: 09081206
VAT No. GB 219837478
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
6 months ago
6 months ago
Menorca, located northeast of Mallorca is a quieter alternative to Mallorca or Ibiza. It is a fantastic island to begin your Balearics yacht charter, after which you can visit Mallorca then Ibiza.
Mahón, also known as Maó, is the capital of Menorca and a port town with a leisurely pace – the ideal yacht charter base. We recommend Café Mirador with a terrace overlooking Mahón Port to enjoy a pomada (local gin and lemonade) or platter of sobrasada sausage before embarking on your private yacht charter.
Ciutadella at the opposite end of the island from Mahón has a historic port lined with seafood restaurants and is wonderful for shopping or visiting the majestic Cathedral.
Visiting Menorca by yacht charter, you may be lucky to see the island come alive throughout the year with various festivals. Two of the most vibrant are Fiesta de Sant Joan in June in Ciutadella and the Fiesta La Mare de Déu de Gràcia in Mahón in September.
Don’t miss visiting one of over 100 sites with prehistoric ruins on Menorca such as Naveta d’Es Tudons or the necropolis caves at Cala Morell.
Beach lovers will enjoy the fine sands and crystalline water at Menorca’s Cala Escorxada, Cala Pregonda, Cala Trebuluger or Cala en Porter. Divers will find Menorca an excellent inclusion on their Balearics yacht charter trip as the visibility is excellent and water temperatures are great; particular highlights include cavern dives and shipwrecks.
First stop for many yacht charters is Palma de Mallorca, known as Palma. Palma de Mallorca is the island version of Barcelona with funky wine bars, stunning architecture and great shopping. It is the perfect jumping off point for any yacht charter to explore the rest of Mallorca. Other towns to visit include Port d’Andratx, Sóller, Alcúdia, Deià or Valldemossa.
Take a shore excursion to some of Mallorca’s peaceful inland villages, join a wine tour in Binissalem or go hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in the west.
Mallorca has over 300 beaches with diverse surroundings such as pine groves, coastal rocks or dunes. Renting a yacht to explore Mallorca is an excellent option to find the best deserted coves and beaches away from the crowds.
Some of our recommended beaches in Mallorca include Cala Varques, ideal for a romantic getaway in a serene location surrounded by pine trees, Es Carbo for relaxation, or Playa de Muro for kitesurfing and surfing. Family charter groups will appreciate the shallow waters at Sa Rapita beach and for an interesting shore excursion you can head to the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves), a limestone cave network with underground lake.
Known as the ‘White Isle’, Ibiza is famous for its hedonistic nightlife however it is a fantastic yacht charter destination for relaxation too. Away from the busier southeast coastline, you can find quieter sandy beaches and white washed villages with idyllic settings.
Go ashore to central Ibiza to the village of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera for bohemian shopping and hip caféterias, visit Sant Llorenç de Balàfia for organic cuisine in the garden at La Paloma or stop in for a shoreside lunch at rustic beach restaurant Cala Bonita at S’Estanyol for charcoal-fired fish and icy sangria.
The beaches on Ibiza are a paradisiacal mixture – for a respite from summer crowds take the tender to Cala Xuclar or cruise to Cala Saladeta for clear turquoise water to snorkel in and rocky outcrops perfect for sunbathing on.
The west coast of Ibiza is sheltered from the prevailing winds from the east and from San Antonio to Es Vedra you’ll have a hard time picking a beach or cove more perfect than the next. Enjoy a romantic meal ashore at Ses Roques restaurant admiring the beautiful view over Cala Conta, anchor in picturesque Cala Porroig with fisherman’s huts fringing the tranquil cove or spend a leisurely afternoon on land at El Chiringuito at Playa Es Cavallet, a chic beachside restaurant with an excellent wine list, mouth-watering cocktails and superb food.
If you’re partial to the party life, then Ibiza is the place for you. From sunset beach parties to all-night raves, Ibiza caters for all music tastes however electronic music is Ibiza’s forte and you’ll be able to catch sets from the world’s top DJ’s regularly. Here are Bespoke Yacht Charter’s top 6 party spots on Ibiza:
Ibiza’s sister island is just half an hour south by boat and the perks of having your own private yacht charter means you don’t have to abide by the ferry timetables back to Ibiza.
With no airport servicing Formentera, there’s generally less crowds and the island exudes a chilled-out vibe with plenty of opportunities to relax on your luxury yacht charter and decompress from daily life once the day trippers leave Es Pujols and return to Ibiza.
Other things to do in Formentera for yacht charter guests include cycling (simply follow the ‘circuits verds’, designated cycle trails on the island), bird watching at the Ses Salines Natural Park or visit the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse with a unique experience where you can descend a ladder to a rocky cave to watch the sea!
S’Espalmador (Isla de Espalmador) is a tiny uninhabited island, between Formentera and Ibiza and part of the Ses Salines Natural Park. It was gifted to a Valencian family by King Philip II but has been in private ownership since the 17th century and is currently for sale.
While the buildings on the island are private, any visiting charter yachts can anchor in the bay and the beach, 18th century island watchtower and sand dunes are open to the public in accordance with Spain’s coastal laws so it makes a little known place for a beach picnic while on yacht charter.